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Use Plant Power to Thank Volunteers! A collaboration between two Harrogate charities will use the power of plants to support the well-being of hard-working local volunteers. Supporting Older People and Horticap have joined forces to gift a plant to the dedicated volunteers who give up their time to make sure older residents living on their own in the district don’t feel isolated. Supporting Older People (SOP) provides services for residents in Harrogate and Knaresborough including home visiting and social activities, when restrictions allow. Kate Rogata from SOP said: “Our volunteers provide a lifeline to people who are living alone by offering companionship and help to get out and about. “All our volunteers will now receive a voucher for a plant of their choice from Horticap as a thank you for the vital service they provide, particularly at the moment when the pandemic is increasing the sense of isolation for many older people.” The initiative has been inspired and supported by Full Circle Funerals on Skipton Road in Harrogate, as part of its campaign to promote the use of plants and nature to support wellbeing. David Billington of Full Circle Funerals said: “It is well known that incorporating nature in our environment leads to an increased sense of optimism and we have seen the positive impact of this concept first-hand in our work with bereaved families and individuals. “We are delighted to be supporting SOP and Horticap to say thank you to their volunteers during these challenging times and provide a lasting gift that will enable them to experience some of the positivity they bring to the people they visit.”

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